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A couple of art lovers check out the work from the kids at Lancaster High School. David Stith/Eagle-Gazette

Art Walk 2013 attracted fans of all ages. David Stith/Eagle-Gazette

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LANCASTER — For some, making a picture or creating a painting is simply a hobby — something that helps pass the time. But for several local artists, art is a passion that not only brightens their lives, but their audience’s lives as well.

As hundreds of people packed into Downtown Lancaster for Friday’s ArtWalk, it wasn’t hard to tell the artists from the admirers.

Beaming, Blue Shoe artist Cliff Williams watched as people packed inside Art & Clay on Main. Williams was readily available to explain his artwork or just have a friendly conversation with anyone he passed.

Williams said the ArtWalk is a great way to expose the community to different types of art, and said the attention makes him feel proud and excited.

“It’s great fun to see people enjoying our art,” said Williams, of Lancaster.

Over at the Fairfield County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board, eight participants with the Fairfield Photo Project, an eight-week photography class for individuals recovering from mental health illnesses and drug and alcohol addictions, stood proudly as the community walked through their exhibit.

As Stephany Harden watched community members admire her photographs, she said the moment was all too surreal.

“It’s funny. Last year, in this very room, I admired some of my professor’s (Randy DePuy) work,” said Harden, of Lancaster. “I never thought I’d have work in the ArtWalk.”

Harden said the program allowed her to rediscover a deep-rooted passion.

“Life gets overwhelming,” she said. “You get caught up in everything else. This helps remind you that it’s not hard to make something.”

Harden and fellow artists said it was a pleasure to see the community admire their work.